Textured concrete is among the hardiest and most durable materials in your home, potentially lasting for decades at a time. Also known as stamped concrete, it also features special colour hardeners which further strengthen the surface to make it less porous and thus more resistant to water penetration.
Nevertheless, that doesn’t mean you can just neglect a high traffic area such as your driveway. Over time, wear and tear will decrease the visual appeal and structural integrity of your concrete driveway, a process which accelerates when the homeowner fails to perform adequate maintenance.
Follow these handy maintenance tips to ensure your textured concrete driveway will remain in tip-top shape for years to come.
Keep It Clean
One way to extend the lifespan of your driveway is to keep it as clean as possible at all times.
A build-up of leaves, dirt, rubbish or debris will eventually stain your driveway, which subtracts significantly from its aesthetic appeal. Furthermore, all this extra junk could mask any ongoing issues such as cracks or holes that may form underneath.
The solution is simple. Dedicate a few minutes of your regular home maintenance routine to clean your driveway, with either a broom or a leaf blower. As a bonus, a clean driveway is the first thing guests will notice as they pull into your home.
Clean Up Those Stains
In addition to sweeping away debris, it’s crucial to clean up stains such as oil, grease, and petrol ASAP. If left untreated, those unsightly stains will become harder to rectify over time. Note that resealers are great at resisting stains, which is why it’s vital to reseal your driveway frequently. You can clean all but the most stubborn stains by yourself.
Run a home pressure washer with a cleaning product over the stain several times until you can’t see it anymore. You can rent these machines from wholesalers in most Australian cities. The ideal cleaning liquid for the job depends on your specific textured driveway type, so consult the installer to determine the best option for you.
Keep an Eye Out For Trouble Spots
Cracks and holes can form in your driveway as a result of everyday wear and tear, or extreme weather such as a heatwave or a big freeze. If left unattended, these seemingly insignificant issues can spread and expand until they become a big expensive problem. Consider addressing minor cracks and holes before your next scheduled driveway reseal.
Reseal Your Driveway
Most driveway specialists recommend resealing your driveway every two years, to keep it in excellent condition and optimise its longevity. In some situations, such as frequent extreme weather or exceptionally heavy traffic, you should do it more often than that.
The good news is that you can easily do the process yourself on the cheap.
- Spray down your driveway with a garden or a pressure hose
- Scrub away any stains with a scrubbing brush and dishwashing detergent
- Wash away the suds from the surface
- Allow the surface to completely dry, waiting 24 hours if necessary
- Apply a coat of sealer mixed with an anti-skid additive. A 1’ nap roller in 2” x 4” sections works best. Avoid working with sealer if the outside air temperature is not between 13 C and 32 C.
- Apply another coat of sealer when the first coat is dry
Sealers vary between different brands, so be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Note that when textured concrete begins to lose its sheen, resealing it will restore it to its former glory. The driveway installer can recommend the best product to use.
Avoid Chemical De-icing
Although this tip doesn’t extend to most regions of Australia, homeowners in some areas may choose to apply a chemical de-icing agent when they expect a long period of frost. Despite being remarkably effective, these products are notorious for damaging concrete driveways in an alarmingly short timeframe.
If you really must de-ice your driveway, look for an agent that is based on calcium chloride or rock salt instead.
Don’t Damage Your Driveway
Concrete driveways are tough, but they’re not invincible. With that in mind, it’s critical to take the necessary precautions to prevent inadvertently damaging them. Take utmost care while working with heavy machinery in the area. Even a stray swing from a sledgehammer could severely damage your concrete.
Installing a Quality Concrete Driveway
As you can see, a textured concrete driveway not only looks great, but it’s also durable enough to withstand the rigours of Mother Nature over an extended period. Best of all, the time and effort required to maintain textured concrete pale in comparison to other driveway types.
Homeowners in the Melbourne should get in touch with the professionals at Simply Driveways. Their fully licensed and insured team draw up 16 years of experience to create the ultimate first impression for your home.
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